Behind every progressing woman, there is a man?
Today, I drove my dad back from my uncle’s 60th birthday party. It was just the two of us—a twenty-five-minute drive back home. As much as I love my dad, it is rare that we both agree on anything. It’s almost phenomenal how we cannot live without each other, yet have little patience for each other’s views and perspectives. An inseparable bond.
On the way home, we spoke about my studies and work. He wanted to give me advice, emphasizing that I should listen to him because, according to him, whenever I don’t, I end up getting myself into trouble.
That conversation led me into a flashback, taking me down memory lane. As a child, I used to ride on my dad’s shoulders when he and my mom went out for walks. Some nights, we walked together as a family to get ice cream; other times, we went for sugarcane juice. We also visited a neighborhood park with slides.
Childhood memories are truly the best.
Growing up, my dad always gave me confidence, even though he was very strict in his approach. As the years went by, I began to understand how he shaped me into an independent decision-maker. At times, he probably didn’t agree with me or my beliefs, but he still gave me the space to express my views.
I often think about how uncomfortable my decisions must have made him feel. Yet, he managed to hold himself back and let me be. It must have been difficult for someone so strong-willed to raise an equally strong-headed child he could not control as the years passed.
It’s easy to carry a child on your shoulders and walk with them to get ice cream. But supporting a demanding and opinionated personality is not as easy. I have to give my dad credit for being so supportive, even when he was quietly uncomfortable. That couldn’t have been easy.
Dad, thank you. You’ve changed the phrase for me.
Behind every progressing woman, there is a man who constantly challenges her while learning to hold space for her voice.